by Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports

by Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Tony Gonzalez is one shy of his 100th career touchdown reception. But he is driven by something far more vital: a missing Super Bowl ring that would more than compensate for the disrespect shown to Gonzalez and the Atlanta Falcons, who are 7-0 and the NFL's lone unbeaten team.

"Is the national media making a big deal about us like they would if it was Philly, Green Bay or New England? No, they're not," Gonzalez told USA TODAY Sports Thursday. "We played Philly and beat them. And Philly was on TV all week.

"We don't care. Our goals are bigger than just getting national media attention. They'll recognize us if we go where we want to go. I've day-dreamed about raising that Lombardi Trophy. I can see it in my mind."

Still outleaping defenders 16 years younger, the 12-time Pro Bowl tight end enters Sunday night's matchup with the Dallas Cowboys (3-4) with staggering numbers for the all-time tight-end leader in receptions (1,195), receiving yards (13,797) and touchdowns (99). He ranks second this season among tight ends with 46 receptions.

But there's another staggering number on his resume: Zero - as in no playoff wins.

"We have a complete team," Gonzalez said. "I like our chances. But at the same time, we're very, very far away, and we have to keep getting better."

Gonzalez knows. He was 9-0 with the 2003 Kansas City Chiefs, who finished 13-3 and lost to the Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, 38-31, in the AFC divisional round. So Gonzalez does everything possible to convince teammates it's about the finish.

He adds: "His passion, willingness to work on his craft knowing this could be his final season, he's been very, very focused."

Did the most prolific pass catcher not named Jerry Rice ever imagine playing this long?

"Never. And I've got a pretty good imagination," Gonzalez said with a laugh. "You think about going to Pro Bowls, having a great career. I don't know of anybody in their right mind who would want to play football that long. If I had a Super Bowl ring, I probably would have retired a couple of years ago."

Gonzalez benefits from the development of second-year speed receiver Jones, eighth-year veteran White and the arrival of offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, who implemented a screen game.

"We have that PYP offense - pick-your-poison," Gonzalez said.

"Football Night in America" NBC analyst Tony Dungy said Ryan with his 68.7% completion percentage, 17 touchdowns and six interceptions is the midpoint MVP.

"People ask me what's the biggest difference this year?"' Gonzalez said. "Matt's always been pretty accurate. The ball is coming out way quicker."

But Gonzalez knows: Time isn't his friend. He has nine regular-season games left, then what?

"Our goal is to win every game we're playing. And there's a difference. You take it one game at a time because it's the most important game of the season. If we keep that attitude, carry it into the playoffs, hopefully, it takes care of itself. The time is now. It better be now.